Author: Admin

Key Takeaways:

• AT&T has initiated its storm preparedness plan as Tropical Storm Helene tracks toward Florida and Georgia.

• The AT&T Weather Operations Center has a team of degreed meteorologists delivering business-specific weather intelligence, analytics, and forecasts.

• The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) – led by a dedicated team of former first responders – is working around the clock to support public safety’s emergency communications and has liaisons engaged with local and federal agencies.

AT&T has initiated its storm preparedness plan as Tropical Storm Helene tracks toward Florida and Georgia. The AT&T Weather Operations Center has a team of degreed meteorologists delivering business-specific weather intelligence, analytics and forecasts. Their expertise aids in mitigating the risk of impact to the AT&T network and assets, and helps to keep our employees safe.

Our network preparations include:

• Topping off generators with fuel at our cell sites and switch facilities.

• Testing back-up batteries at cell sites.

• Protecting our physical facilities against flooding.

• Staging emergency response and network recovery equipment in strategic locations for quick deployment following the storm.

• Prepping dedicated FirstNet deployable network assets for use by public safety agencies on FirstNet, as requested.

We encourage our customers and residents in areas potentially affected by the storm to prepare as well. Below are communication tips to help you stay connected.

• Save battery life. To save your phone’s battery during a power outage, try power-save mode, turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, delete apps, or enable Airplane Mode.

• Keep mobile devices charged. Make sure to fully charge your mobile devices before a weather event and have an alternate way to charge your smartphone in case of power outages. A car charger or backup battery pack can be useful. If you have multiple devices, consider a multi-port backup battery pack to keep them charged.

• Keep your mobile devices dry. Mobile phones can be a critical lifeline during a storm. To protect yours, store it in a water-resistant case, floating waterproof case, or plastic bag.

• Protect vital documents. Back up important info and documents like insurance and medical papers to the cloud or computer for easy access from any device.

• Have a family communications plan. Review the plan with your family and choose someone out of the area as a central point of contact in case your family is separated.

• Update emergency contacts. It is important to store emergency contacts in your mobile phone, including numbers for the police, fire station, hospital, and family members. 

• Stay informed with your mobile device. If a storm causes a power outage, you can still access local weather reports using your mobile device.

• Take advantage of your smartphone’s features. Use your phone camera to photograph and record any damage before you file an insurance claim. Location-based technology (GPS) can help find evacuation routes or track a family member’s location. 

• Be prepared for high call volume and keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. During severe weather, many people may try to call at the same time, which may cause network congestion. If you get a “fast busy” signal on your phone, hang up, wait a few seconds, then try again. 

• Try texting vs. calling. Because it requires fewer network resources, text messages may go through faster than voice calls. 

AT&T Preparations

AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program is one of the largest in the industry. Our NDR fleet consists of more than 750 pieces of specialized response equipment readied for quick deployment, including:

• Mobile cell sites and mobile command centers

• Flying COWs® (Cell on Wings)

• Drones for assessing cell site damage

• Emergency communications vehicles

• Basecamp operations with sleeping bunks, bathrooms, showers, kitchen, on-site nurse and meals ready-to-eat (MREs)

• Hazmat equipment and supplies

• Technology and support trailers to provide infrastructure support and mobile heating ventilation and air conditioning

• Internal and external resources for initial assessment and recovery efforts 

In addition, FirstNet, Built with AT&T – America’s Public Safety Network – and its dedicated fleet of more than 180 deployable network assets are at the ready. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™  (ROG) – led by a dedicated team of former first responders – is working around the clock to support public safety’s emergency communications and has liaisons engaged with local and federal agencies.

Blue River Development (BRD) is pleased to announce the successful sale of the Belleview property, an 85+ acre development located on SE 92^nd Loop just outside of Ocala, Florida. The property closed on September 7 and was sold to a local developer.

Blue River Development discovered Belleview 13 months ago and began the intricate process of rezoning, working closely with local authorities and surrounding homeowners’ associations to create a development that was a perfect fit for the area. “We couldn’t have made this happen without the support of the team at Blue River Development,” remarked Kevin Connelly, a strategic partner with Blue River Development, acknowledging the crucial support received during the rezoning and design phases. The team effort included Michael Meshkaty, a BRD strategic partner who also specializes in due diligence and Dawson Ransome, CFA, a local partner and investment manager who both worked closely with all parties to assure the success of this project. 

“The project was an enriching experience. Our ability to navigate complex rezoning issues and collaborate effectively with Marion County and the surrounding communities has resulted in a development that complements the area,” said Blue River Development Managing Principal Michael Cooper. “This sale is a testament to our team’s commitment and expertise in transforming a vision into reality.”

Belleview will feature 302 single-family lots, ranging from 40 to 50 feet, with homes varying between 1,500 and 1,800 square feet. Aimed at providing affordable housing options from the $290,000s, the community includes extensive amenities, including a walking trail, dog park, pickleball courts, clubhouse, pool and abundant green space. An extra-large buffer on the east side of the property has been established to provide harmony with the adjacent Leeward Ranches community.

Commenting on the growth in the region, Blue River Development Managing Principal Brad Cooper said, “The Ocala area is experiencing significant development, and projects like Belleview are pivotal in meeting the growing demand for attainable, high-quality housing. This sale reflects our ability to adapt and improve projects to benefit communities.”

Blue River Development continues to explore and work on several other deals in the Ocala market, reinforcing its dedication to developing properties that meet modern homebuyers’ needs while positively contributing to the local community. 

The Blue River Development team has over 23 years of experience developing and acquiring nearly $3 billion in residential, multifamily and retail projects. The firm’s achievements are driven by its ability to provide and catalog the most up-to-date market intel and execute on that data and its accountability to clients and investors. 

For more information, visit www.BlueRiverDevelopment.com. 

As a vital part of Atlanta’s thriving small business community, the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace Program (ABMP) is excited to launch Second Saturdays with the Atlanta Indie Market on October 12, 2024, running through November. This unique event, hosted at the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace locations, is designed to bring local artisans, crafters, and makers to the forefront, offering them the chance to be part of a Saturday night market alongside the participants in our small business incubator program.

What is the Indie Market Experience?

The Indie Market Experience is a series of night markets that will be held at two locations: Marketplace @ Allene (1089 Allene Avenue, S.W.) and Marketplace @ Freedom Parkway (under the Freedom Parkway Bridge). The events will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., giving local entrepreneurs and creatives  a prime opportunity to showcase their products to the Beltline’s bustling weekend crowd. This is not just another market—it’s a community experience that celebrates the best of Atlanta’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Why Your Business Should Be There

The Beltline attracts millions of visitors each year, and the Indie Market Experience provides a unique platform for small businesses to engage directly with a diverse audience of Atlanta residents and tourists. For businesses, this means unparalleled exposure, valuable sales opportunities, and the chance to become a staple in the community’s weekend plans.

A Perfect Fit for Artisans, Crafters, and Makers

This program, in partnership with the Atlanta Indie Market, is perfect for businesses that offer handcrafted goods, unique creations, and locally made products. Whether you’re an artisan showcasing your craft, a crafter with handmade goods, or a maker with innovative products, this event is designed to help you reach your audience directly on one of Atlanta’s most beloved paths.

What You Can Expect

High Foot Traffic

The Beltline’s popularity means that your business will be seen by thousands of passersby. The Saturday evening time frame is one of the busiest on the Beltline.

Opportunity to Reach a New Market

You can try out your wares on the people who use the Beltline and see what resonates with them to refine your crafts and offerings. 

Community Connection

You’ll be part of a community of entrepreneurs and will build connections with other vendors and the local community.

A Vibrant Atmosphere

Live music, food vendors, and a bustling environment will draw a diverse crowd.

How to Get Involved

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your business with the Beltline’s Second Saturdays night markets! Interested businesses are encouraged to secure their spot early and be part of this exciting initiative. For more information on how to participate, visit https://beltline.org/blog/beltline-marketplace-indie-market-experience/ and get ready to join us this fall.

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Atlanta Beltline is more than just a trail—it’s a movement that supports local businesses, fosters community, and showcases the best of Atlanta’s creative talent. Join us in making the Indie Market Experience a success by bringing your unique products to the Marketplace!

Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies is excited to announce the opening of its third location at Roswell Junction, a trendy, new food hall located at 340 S. Atlanta Street, Roswell, Georgia. The new location is set to open the first week of October, joining the brand’s existing spots at Halidom Eatery in East Atlanta, and a ghost kitchen serves the Buckhead area for pick-up and delivery. 

“We decided to expand due to the overwhelming response from customers in Buckhead and East Atlanta,” said Pamela Sharpe, owner/operator of Mad Dad’s Philly’s. “Our customers have been asking for more, and we’re happy to deliver!”

The popularity of food halls has risen across the greater Atlanta area, providing a space where food lovers can enjoy a variety of cuisines under one roof. “Food halls offer something for everyone in the family, making it a perfect dining destination,” said Orlando St. Cloud, Mad Dad’s Philly’s Operations Manager. “Our products are diverse and made fresh in front of customers using authentic ingredients. While there are plenty of Philly cheesesteak options in Atlanta, none match our dedication to putting the customer first and delivering the best product possible.”

“The new Roswell Location was facilitated by terra alma. Michaela Boone helped us identify the opportunity and guided us through the process,” said Chef Tony Sharpe, co-owner and Executive Chef of Mad Dad’s Philly’s.

In addition to its classic menu offerings, the Roswell location will introduce exciting new items, including Philly soft pretzels and a high-end Italian water ice called Pamela’s Pretty Ice.  The location will also offer a variety of vegan and healthier options, such as vegan Philly cheesesteaks titled the ‘Simon Gratz,’ salmon salad, and gluten-free choices served with yellow rice.

Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks and Hoagies has gained widespread recognition, including a recent Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta feature for its famous cheesesteaks. As a small, family-owned business with no corporate backing or partners, the restaurant’s success is a testament to Pamela and Tony Sharpe’s commitment to quality and authenticity. “When you support Mad Dad’s Philly’s, you’re supporting a small business and its dedicated team,” said Pamela. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of options, from traditional Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, vegan sandwiches, gluten-free options, salads, and signature wings. With over 30 years of restaurant consulting experience, the Sharpe family has created a space that honors Tony’s Philadelphia roots, importing key ingredients directly from Philly to ensure an authentic dining experience. Roswell Junction, located just south of the historic Roswell Square at 340 S. Atlanta Street, will feature eight diverse food concepts and three bars, including an indoor-outdoor bar and a 2,400-square-foot patio with a stage for live entertainment, games, and more. For more information about Mad Dad’s Philly’s, visit www.maddadsphillys.com. 

Michaela Boone of terra alma was the broker for the Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies transaction at Roswell Junction.

Restauranteurs or retailers interested in spaces encouraging activation and community should contact terra alma via phone at 404-436-1045 or by visiting www.terraalma.com.

In addition to ranking as the No. 1 Most Innovative college for the seventh consecutive year, Agnes Scott College has been named No. 3 among all colleges and universities in the country for First-Year Experiences in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. 

The college also placed No. 3 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, No. 4 for Social Mobility and No. 6 for Study Abroad. Agnes Scott is considered a Best Value by U.S. New & World Report at No. 28. 

“The first-year experience is an essential building block for a student’s academic, personal and professional success,” said Leocadia I. Zak, president of Agnes Scott College. “Our innovative curriculum combined with real-world experiences such as Global Journeys – a faculty-led global experience for every first-year student – prepares our students to claim their places in the community, workplace, and the world.”

 “Agnes Scott College takes a holistic approach to the student experience,” says Zak. “We combine an outstanding academic experience, appreciation for culture and diversity, internship and study abroad opportunities and an outstanding alumnae/i network to support student success. Innovation, academic excellence and the student experience are always at the forefront of what we do.”

 To learn more about Agnes Scott College, please visit agnesscott.edu. 

• The share of businesses currently using AI

• The share of businesses currently using AI to replace employee tasks

• The share of businesses planning to use AI within the next 6 months

• The share of businesses planning to use AI within the next 6 months to replace employee tasks

• The most common business use of AI

Report context:

AI has the potential to impact companies of all sizes and sectors—including small and local businesses. So far, larger businesses tend to be most likely to embrace AI technology. Among the largest firms—those with more than 250 employees—8.3% report using AI to produce their goods and services. Interestingly, however, the very smallest businesses also appear open to integrating AI into their work: businesses with one to four employees have the third-highest rate of AI adoption at 6.1%. These smaller companies are also the most likely to use AI to replace employee tasks.

While only around 5.5% of businesses report that they are currently using AI in the production of goods and services overall, AI adoption has been steadily increasing. This trend is expected to continue: just 3.7% of businesses were using AI 12 months ago, but 8.1% of firms report that they plan to use AI in the next six months.

Right now, 26.6% of the businesses already using AI are using it to replace employee tasks.

Ranking Methodology:

Using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Business Trends and Outlook Survey, researchers ranked U.S. states by the share of employer businesses that indicated they used AI in the production of goods or services in the previous two weeks. Some examples of AI include machine learning, natural language processing, virtual agents, and voice recognition.

Geographic and Industry-Related AI Adoption Trends:

• Firms in the South and Midwest tend to have the lowest rates of AI adoption. Western states, meanwhile, have higher rates of adoption than most of the country. Select Eastern states also rank highly.

• Some of this geographic divide may be driven by industrial factors. Fields like information (20.5%); professional, scientific, and technical (14.9%); and educational services (10.3%) are most likely to use AI, and those industries are also most common in the regions of the country where AI use in business is high.

• The fields that use AI the least include construction, transportation and warehousing, and accommodation and food services, all of which have less than 2% of firms using AI.

AI Adoption Among Georgia Businesses:

• In Georgia, 4.5% of businesses currently use AI.

• Of those, 26.9% use AI to replace employee tasks.

• An additional 6.2% of Georgia businesses are planning to adopt AI within the next six months.

Below is a complete data breakout for Georgia. The full results of the analysis include data on all 50 U.S. states.

Oct. 1 marks the beginning of InnovATL2024, a 19-day series of special events promoting entrepreneurs, creators, tech pioneers and influencers pushing metro Atlanta forward. Metro Atlanta is a center of creativity and influence that attracts global attention year after year, and the region is a natural home to this annual showcase convening innovators of all kinds. 

“InnovATL capitalizes on the world-class innovation ecosystem we have built over the years, and this year’s events showcase just how inclusive and wide-ranging our community is,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This intersection of corporations, higher education, startups, and creators makes for a catalyst for innovation and business growth.” 

Metro Atlanta continues to be known as a hub for startups and innovation. Last year, ambitious entrepreneurs across the 29-county area founded nearly 200,000 new startups and small businesses. This robust activity profoundly impacts Atlanta’s economy and demonstrates the tenacity and optimism of small businesses in the region.  

“This kind of community collaboration is an incredible strength for metro Atlanta,” said Mason Ailstock, president and CEO, Rowen Foundation. “Much like the mission of the Rowen Foundation, InnovATL convenes the components of the innovation ecosystem in a way that allows us to find solutions and achieve a more prosperous future, together.” 

Metro Atlanta’s inclusive and wide-ranging innovation community includes more than 200 companies on the Inc. 5000 list, 13 unicorn startups and a thriving corporate innovation ecosystem. Seventy percent of Fortune 500 companies have a presence in metro Atlanta, with many setting up R&D or innovation centers to tap into the region’s highly educated talent pool.

It is also home to globally recognized leadership in tech innovation as well as entertainment production, all fueled by a diverse talent pool from world-class universities.

The independently organized InnovATL (pronounced inno-VAY-tee-el) events feature a host of topics. Roughly grouped along four categories including corporate, startup, academic and creative industries, this year’s annual showcase convenes innovators of all kinds.

Attendees with a broad interest in technology or creative innovation have a slew of event options from which to choose. Those interested in a particular innovation community can narrow down to a single pathway to guide their activities throughout the event series. An InnovATL2024 pathway could follow any of several journeys:

• The Entrepreneurial Journey

• Innovation in Sports and Media

• Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

• Advancing Healthcare

For more information and a full description of events, visit www.InnovATL2024.com. Listed below are just a few of the possible pathways to navigate events where creators, innovators and founders will converge to shape the future.

Pathway #1: The Entrepreneurial Journey

Event: Venture Atlanta

Date: Oct. 8-9

Location: Woodruff Arts Center

Venture Atlanta supports the Southeast’s most promising tech companies by connecting founders and funders through one of the nation’s largest venture capital conferences and communities.

Event: Atlanta Startup Awards

Date: Oct. 1

Location: Tech Square ATL

The Atlanta Startup Awards recognizes and celebrates the city’s most successful rising tech companies, startup pioneers, and disruptive innovators. 

Event: Techstars Atlanta Powered by Cox Enterprises

Date: Oct. 9

Location: Woodruff Arts Center

Join the Techstars Atlanta team to hear this years’ class of founders as they tell their stories and pitch their businesses and discuss Atlanta’s rising status as a global hub for innovation and tech entrepreneurship.

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Pathway #2: Innovation in Sports and Media

Event: Avant South

Date: Oct. 7

Location: Georgia Tech 

Avant South is a dynamic event that bridges innovation, technology, and culture. The program convenes top leaders from Atlanta’s media, entertainment, sports, arts, and business industries to discuss how emerging technologies can impact the future.

Event: Atlanta Digital World Summit

Date: Oct. 1

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Delta Sky360 Club 

Through four panel discussions featuring top digital businesses & executives in Georgia, the Atlanta Digital World Summit will discuss the current state of entertainment, gaming, sports and fintech industries. 

Event: DreamHack Atlanta

Date: Oct. 4-6

Location: Georgia World Congress Center 

DreamHack Atlanta is an immersive gaming experience where the community comes to life. The 2024 festival is DreamHack’s sixth installment in Atlanta, and this year will offer $1.1 million in prize money across 20 competitions open to fans of all skill levels. 

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Pathway #3: Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

Event: Built in the Burbs Speaker Series

Date: Oct. 15

Location: Cobb Chamber

HatchBridge Incubator, a collaboration between Kennesaw State University and the Cobb Chamber, is an incubator focused on supporting scalable business in the Atlanta suburbs. The “Built in the Burbs” speaker series is entering its second year. 

Event: HackATL

Date: Oct. 17-19

Location: Emory University

HackATL is the most prominent business hackathon in the southeast, attracting hundreds of students from dozens of top universities to compete for prize money. Participants are given 48 hours to develop a prototype and pitch to judges, angel investors, and venture capitalists. 

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Pathway #4: Advancing Healthcare

Event: Rowen Foundation Convergence Summit

Date: Oct. 10

Location: 11Ten Innovation Lab

The Convergence Summit explores the convergence of medicine, agriculture, and the environment to address the most pressing issues facing the world over the next century: how we produce our food, power our planet, and provide medical care for the global population. 

Event: Women’s Global Leadership Conference

Date: Oct. 9

Location: Agnes Scott College

This year’s conference focuses on inclusive health equity, bringing together voices that advance new and intersectional partnerships and ideas. From scholars to executives to activists, this community will work towards new strategies to end disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes.

SMB Travel Research Resources

Best Travel and Tourism Research Websites The success of your marketing and advertising campaigns is highly dependent on good customer research. Without it, you’re kind of flailing in the dark. In this post, I introduce 6 sources of travel market research for tour companies, DMOs, and travel agencies. General market research might be reassuring or…